IBM hot to trot in emerging markets

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 02:48

IT Industry - Strategy

Keen to further boost its position in high growth emerging markets such as China and India, IBM has announced the establishment of its latest centres of excellence. IBM's business in the so-called BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) market grew 31 percent in the second quarter, with India as the most significant contributor.

IBM's service management centre of excellence was recently opened in Pune. Staffed by specialists from around the world, the centre is a regional hub for IBM Tivoli service management software and strategy.

China will see the establishment of a banking centre of excellence in Shanghai that will focus on core banking systems and payments. The centre joins others in US, Korea, Vietnam and South Africa.

The company is also setting up a retail innovation centre in Guadalajara, Mexico. It will be used as a showcase for IBM's point-of-sale and self-checkout technologies, as well as products in the mobile and e-commerce space.

"These results demonstrate that IBM has the ability to thrive in emerging markets," said Bruno Di Leo, IBM general manager, growth markets. "Our continued investments give IBM a competitive edge; global reach and scale; and services and products that deliver genuine value to clients wherever they do business."